Saudi Judoka to Compete With Headscarf

Committee reverses apparel decision

Saudi Arabian judoka Wojdan Shaherkani is free to compete wearing a headscarf after the International Olympic Committee helped broker an agreement between Saudi Arabia and the International Judo Federation. Shaherkani was set to be one of Saudi Arabia’s first female competitors until the Judo federation ruled that she could not compete wearing a headscarf for safety reasons. With her father adamant that she wear the headscarf, it appeared that Shaherkani might be forced to withdraw from the Games. Details were not given regarding what exactly Shahrkhani will wear, but an I.O.C., spokesperson clarified that the agreement is in line with judo rules and is "safety compliant but allows for cultural sensitivity."